The time limit (or limitation date) for making a compensation claim following an accident or illness in Poland will vary, and holidaymakers are advised to act quickly to ensure they have enough time to pursue a claim.

On a flight to or from Poland, in a hotel, or during an pre-booked excursion or activity, and where the holiday was booked through a UK-based package tour operator - 3 years

Injury or illness in Poland during a trip that was booked privately (not booked through a UK tour operator) - 3 years (time limits can vary - see Time Limit Calculator for more information)

Injury or illness during a privately-booked flight (not booked through a UK tour operator) - 2 years

Following the below steps can improve your claim's chance of success, regardless of whether you have returned home from Poland, are being treated in a Polish hospital, or are continuing with your holiday:

British visitors to Poland are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC enables injured holidaymakers to seek medically necessary state-provided healthcare from a Poland hospital, under the same conditions as a person with Poland health insurance. As the

EHIC does not cover private treatment it is important to ensure you are treated by a healthcare provider that has a contract with the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ). Be particularly careful if healthcare arrangements are made by a hotel or travel representative as any costs incurred for private healthcare are non-refundable

In general, medical facilities in Poland are comparable to those in the UK. Polish doctors and nurses are well qualified but English is not always widely spoken and you may face communication difficulties

The EHIC does not cover travel costs or stolen property and is not a substitute for travel insurance or making a claim following an injury.

Doctors

Doctors' surgeries are open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. After 6pm on workdays, weekends and on holidays, a 24 hour-medical service is provided by various health units contracted by the NFZ.

Dentists

Dentists often offer both NFZ and private treatment. NFZ services therefore might not be available every day of the week, and you should check with the surgery in advance. A list of free services and materials is also available at dentist surgeries. Non-standard services and materials are charged.

Hospital treatment

As in the UK, you will need to be referred for any hospital treatment by a doctor. Make sure you are referred to a public hospital, as only these provide treatment free of charge. Even in a public hospital, ensure you have a valid EHIC and double-check you are not treated as a private patient.

A prescription should be issued by a doctor who practices within the NFZ. Take your prescription and your EHIC to the pharmacist. Medicines are charged at:

• a lump-sum price of 3,20 zl - for basic medicines
• 30% or 50% of the price of a medicine - for supplementary medicines
• the full price in case of medicines - which are not included in the reimbursed drugs list

Drinking water in Poland is chlorinated and has no ill effect on the local population. However, some local strains of e. coli may be present in very small concentrations in the local water supply and may cause diarrhoea in travellers as they are different to those their bodies are used to. Drinking bottled water is therefore advised.

Milk is pasteurized and safe to drink. Butter, cheese, yoghurt, and ice cream are safe.

Local meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and fruits are safe to eat.

Some organisations warn of the risk of contracting Hepatitis A through contaminated water, and it may be wise to consider vaccination before travelling to less well developed areas of Poland.

A few specialist tour operators offer walking holidays in the Tatra Mountains of Poland, including Exodus and KE Adventure.

Walking trails are almost always well marked but are often rough and stony underfoot. The walks often involve long ascents and descents, with steep, long drops as well as paths traversing ridgelines. There may be risks of falls and injuries where ground is unstable and the area is not recommended for those who may who suffer from vertigo.

Wet weather may make the ground slippery even on low level walks.

Always only choose a holiday suited to your own level of fitness and ensure you have suitable boots and clothing for the trip.

Injuries from insect bites

Travellers in forests, woods and grassy areas, particularly during the summer, may be at risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis or Lyme disease. The diseases are spread mainly through the bites of infected ticks (not an insect but an arachnid).

Although ticks usually feed on small mammals they may crawl on humans' skin or clothing before attaching themselves to feed, often in skin folds in the groin or armpit.

Walkers and campers are most at risk and are advised to wear long trousers tucked into socks to prevent ticks crawling up the legs. Special tick removing tools are widely available and should be carried so that any attached ticks may be quickly and effectively removed.

The national panel of QLS solicitors handle all types of personal injury claims, from more minor injury cases to life-changing injury. Chosen on the basis of their track record in winning claims, QLS's solicitors have years of dedicated experience recovering compensation for their clients.

About the author

Howard qualified as a solicitor in 1984 and has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years. He is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and is a recognised Law Society Personal Injury Panel expert.

Quittance Legal Services is a panel of personal injury solicitors. The personal injury solicitors are regulated and authorised by the Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA). The Authority's rules can be accessed at http://www.sra.org.uk.

Quittance Conveyancing is a trading style of Premier Property Lawyers Limited. Premier Property Lawyers is regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. The company's authorisation can be accessed at https://www.clc-uk.org.uk. Premier Property Lawyers Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Company No: 04323405. VAT No: 231822924.